R U N C L U B S T O R I E S

RUNCLUBBERS

​GiftsCan you gift someone happiness? If so, what size of box would you put it in? Or would it fit in an envelope? Can you gift someone the motivation to strive for more, to step outside of their comfort zone? Is there a box big enough for such a gift? If happiness and motivation could be purchased, perhaps many of us would keep one cupboard devoted entirely to those things, so that in times of facing personal life challenges, or an overdose of lethargy, we could simply dip into our cupboard and scoop out a can of happiness or motivation, gobble it down and be as good as new, able to wash uncertainties aside and be energetic and view our life situation from a different perspective.

Alas, these things are not available as a staple item at your local grocery store, and are not to be confused with a tub of ice cream, a box of cookies, or a cheesecake, which might give you a very satisfying sugar high and elated full feeling which may be equated with a false sense of happiness, but will be accompanied by a sugar crash of equal or greater proportions, not to speak of the depression at the realization of what was eaten.

However, although we can not buy, nor gift someone happiness and motivation in a box, sometimes an encounter with someone will tap into our own reserve of feelings such that they are full and even overflowing. Our own motivation is sparked by someone else's words, state of being and energy.

There is such a person out there, well in fact there are countless such people. But I am referring to one of them in particular. She is caring, humble, generous, observant and most of all, genuine. And I know all of this even though I have sat down to a cafe with her and a group of mutual friends only once, and only have heard her speak at length a couple of times. Yet I and several other women and one man, have spent one evening per week, for the past 8 weeks, together with her as our leader. Just by being in her presence, she ignites and atmosphere in which happiness, motivation, and a positive attitude abound. We run to celebrate all the fantastic principles she encompasses and lives by, and by doing so, we become better runners.

To you, Jo Berry, and to the outstanding team of coaches that live and exemplify your vision and principles for Runclub, and shine in the light you so graciously provide them, a big thank you. The seed of motivation and happiness that we all have, you nurture, and we can fly on our feet as a result. See you again at our next Boogie the Bridge Runclub training, fellow runclubbers! And to all those who wish to nurture their own positive attitude, happiness, motivation and running/walking ability, it only takes one visit, with an open, curious mind, and the rest just happens.

By Tanja Hasler

Perhaps you have already guessed, I was referring to the 8 weeks I spent at a weekly Runclub and bootcamp training held at No Limits Fitness. Before going to this training session, I was purely a devoted solo recreational runner and I loved every step, every minute of this time to myself. I joined Runclub because it was being held at the gym I am a member of, and the thought of me training there and observing a group of people in a runclub would have made me crazy, I just had to be a part of it, despite not being a group exerciser by any stretch of the imagination and not used to running in a group. But all my preconceptions were turned upside down from day one. I arrived curious, with an open mind, and l ended the 8 weeks with having forged my first running friend partnerships and energized for more running and to meet new citizens of our sunny city

A stroke at 22It started as a headache that wouldn’t go away. Siobhan McKee knew something was wrong but she never imagined it would be a stroke.In the summer of 2010 I started experiencing pain in my head and jaw. I was 22, healthy and active, regularly running and practicing yoga; I was on a co-op work term as a student recruiter at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC.

My doctor said the pain was just a headache. I saw a dentist, an orthodontist and a chiropractor. I was told jaw surgery might help, but no one had a definitive answer.

That fall I was taking a semester away from my classes in tourism management, to complete my co-op term. By early November my headaches grew worse, I couldn't see straight and I suddenly became very confused. Over the next few days my symptoms grew worse and my right arm went numb. I was throwing up constantly and becoming dehydrated.​My boyfriend at the time, Jake, took me to emergency; the doctor there diagnosed a migraine and sent me home with a prescription.Finally, after three more days with no improvement, I called an ambulance. In the emergency room I had a seizure. A CT scan revealed a blood clot on the right side of my brain. I was having a stroke.

Jake came rushing to the hospital and my sister, Shannon, came from Revelstoke. I was so happy to see them both, but I could tell by their faces that I was in bad shape. My parents were on vacation, driving toward Mexico with their truck and trailer. When Shannon called them, my mom booked a flight home; my dad would drive back after dropping her at the airport.

My neurologist said later that she wasn’t sure I would survive the first night. It seemed like a miracle the next day when I could move my right index finger. I spent a week in intensive care and a total of 17 days in the hospital.

The blood clot had been causing all of my pain. It had never been spotted despite X-rays and an MRI. My neurologist said that my birth control prescription was the main cause of my blood clot.

In hospital I was attached to what seemed like endless machines. When you have nothing but time to think about what’s happening, your mind can take you some scary places. It was terrifying to realize that I was being kept alive only by machines and hospital staff.

My dad arrived in Kamloops a few days later, after driving more than 2,500 kilometres with just two dogs for company. When he came into my room, we both cried. If you know my dad, you know that is a very rare occurrence. At that moment I knew how much he loved me; I’ll never forget that.

The year since my stroke has been filled with lots of hugs, MRIs, blood tests and much more. I learned to walk again. I now own a pill organizer that I stock with 15 to 25 pills daily. I take anti-seizure medication and blood thinners as well as a variety of natural supplements to help reduce my daily headaches. I returned to classes about two months after my stroke, and will complete my degree in spring 2012. I’ve worked so hard this year at getting better physically and improving at school and I see the benefits every day.

Because of the swelling in my brain, I had double vision for the first month that I was out of the hospital. My vision has since returned to normal but I’ve seen my optometrist a few times, as well as an ophthalmologist, to ensure I have no lasting effects.

I also continue to experience short-term memory loss regularly, although it’s improving. It feels as if information gets lost in the “filing cabinets” in my mind – I know it’s there but my brain doesn’t know how to access it. It can be super frustrating, but I’m learning to let it go. My neurologist says my memory will keep improviing slowly as I heal.

I still have a long way to go, between the fatigue and pain. On bad days I can barely get out of bed in the morning and cry for hours once I’ve arrived home after classes. The pain in my head is sometimes unbearable. Other times I feel almost normal.

I wouldn’t have made it through this year without the love and support of my family and friends. I hope to get back to feeling 100% again, but I’m not there yet. I will be on blood thinners potentially for the rest of my life, because of the risk of another clot.

I have almost gotten used to the new version of myself, but it’s a struggle every day to realize I’m not who I used to be and I don’t have the carefree life of a normal 24-year-old.

The main thing I have learned is that we are our own best advocates for our health and need to take responsibility for getting the help we need. Because I was young, no one took me seriously and I was dismissed again and again and told that my pain was nothing to be worried about.

I am proud to be a stroke survivor and I hope my story will encourage people to seek the help they need and take their health seriously.

On a scary day in March I walked into a room in Interior Savings center in a city I had only lived in since the previous July. I actually "peeked" in the door, sure there were going to be a room full of tight althletic bodies that would shout at my now quavering inner voice of resolve that I was at the wrong place. Like she knew I was about to bolt, Jo Berry turned around and as I stammered hello and began to find excuses for why I would even think I could be a runner with 80 lbs to loose and cotton run clothes bought at Reitman's( because they don't make them in my size in most running stores) she said "this is the place, you are supposed to be here". I proceeded to watch the evolution of the most powerful positive force I have ever been exposed to. There are no nerves here - I have run at my heaviest (now) and my lightest (2007) - that I have gained weight again and I am re-charging my health goals in the best place I know, while still faintly disappointing if I am being honest with myself, just points out how powerful I feel compared to that tentative self I was in March 2006. When the pounds went on again, I KNEW where I could go - where I would be welcomed back and I could make friends and connections that bring the light back after a dark winter. I am a runner. And it will be ok. Runclub is where I start, where I have always started. When I cross the line in one of many 10K's I plan to do this year and find my easy pace, my awe at myself as 8 minutes flies by like 5 did after beginners then I will look around at the friends who will cross with me and know pride. The best part is, that is waiting for you every time you put your running shoes on. Wow! Look at me! Way to Go! Watch for me at the finish line bursting out of my comfort zone - when you smile at my antics I know you feel it too.

A huge thank you to Jo, for her example of class, beauty and strength and my current running beauties: Cindy, Trena and Deanna. A huge way to go to Nick Carter - I see it Nick! You're doing it! Also a forever thanks to my first run buddies, Kari and most of all Mona who knows me when. xo

The Golden Nugget

Hi Jo,​Great run today and an amazing story. Some years ago my father died and he left me a gold nugget that I have worn around my neck every day since his passing. Unfortunately today during the run I lost the nugget either on the run or when I went into the creek afterwards. I had no idea where to start my search. The creek bottom as you know is about six inches of silk. I am not sure why I even went down to the creek knowing all to well that the likelihood of ever seeing the nugget was next to impossible. As I looked at the pool we all had a dip in I saw a gold sparkle on a rock. There was my gold nugget waiting for me to retrieve it. I looked up to the sky and thanked my father. Miracles do happen.